The untimely death of Angus Cloud, the beloved actor known for his role as Fezco in HBO’s “Euphoria,” sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and beyond. Fans and colleagues mourned the loss of the 25-year-old talent, prompting many to ask: How Did Angus Cloud Die? In the wake of speculation and grief, details have emerged clarifying the circumstances surrounding his passing, painting a clearer picture of the tragic event. This article delves into the specifics of Angus Cloud’s death, relying on official reports and insights from his mother to provide a comprehensive understanding.
The night before his passing in July, Angus Cloud was staying with his mother, Lisa Cloud, in Oakland, California, grappling with the recent loss of his father. According to Lisa, their last conversation was filled with love and a sense of normalcy. “‘I love you, mama. You’re the best,'” she recounted him saying, as shared in an exclusive interview with People. His final words, “‘I’ll see you in the morning,'” offered no hint of the tragedy that would unfold. The following morning, Lisa Cloud found her son unresponsive in his room, a discovery that would soon lead to the revelation of a heartbreaking accident.
Image alt text: Angus Cloud as Fezco in a scene from Euphoria, looking thoughtful and concerned.
The Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau officially ruled Angus Cloud’s death as an accidental overdose. The toxicology report revealed a lethal combination of multiple substances in his system: methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and benzodiazepines. This cocktail of drugs, particularly the central nervous system depressants, proved fatal. As Lisa Cloud explained, “It was predominantly the central nervous system depressants. It started to slow his heart and slow his breathing.” The lack of oxygen led to fatigue, eventually causing his heart to stop as he fell asleep. This official finding definitively answered the question of how did Angus Cloud die: it was a tragic accident resulting from the unintended interaction of multiple drugs.
Image alt text: Close-up of Lisa Cloud, Angus Cloud’s mother, speaking with empathy and strength.
Lisa Cloud has been vocal in clarifying that her son’s death was not intentional. In the face of initial speculation, she emphasized, “[But he didn’t kill himself].” This clarification is crucial, as it underscores the accidental nature of the overdose and dispels any notions of suicide. She shed light on Angus’s struggles with pain management, which began after a severe brain injury at the age of 15 when he fell into a construction site. This initial injury led to opioid use, further complicated by another injury during an encounter with law enforcement in Los Angeles. “That’s really what started his drug-seeking behavior, I think,” Lisa Cloud reflected, highlighting the connection between physical pain and his subsequent substance use.
The recent passing of Angus Cloud’s father in May deeply impacted the young actor. Lisa Cloud acknowledged the profound grief her son experienced, stating, “There were deep troubles. He was not functioning, and it was clear he was grief-stricken.” For someone already battling with substance use, the emotional weight of this loss became overwhelming. “And if you are somebody who turns to drugs, that would be the logical thing to do, and that’s what he did,” she explained, illustrating how grief exacerbated his existing vulnerabilities. While his father’s death wasn’t the direct cause, it undeniably played a significant role in Angus’s final days.
Image alt text: Zendaya and Angus Cloud in a scene from Euphoria, portraying Rue and Fezco with intense emotion.
Despite the tragic circumstances, Angus Cloud’s impact on those around him and his audience remains undeniable. “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson and co-star Zendaya both shared heartfelt memories, emphasizing his talent and the special connection he had with people. Levinson revealed his admiration for Angus, which led him to repeatedly postpone writing off Fezco from the show. Zendaya fondly remembered, “I’m lucky because I got to experience the most beautiful parts of him. I got to watch him create and I got to watch him discover the fact that he was an actor. A damn good one at that.” Lisa Cloud finds solace in knowing her son’s unique qualities were recognized and appreciated by the world. “I always knew he was special and I’m so glad the world also found out he was special,” she said, a testament to the lasting legacy of a young life taken too soon. Angus Cloud’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles with addiction and grief, while also celebrating the impactful life of a talented artist remembered by many.